Here's what to know about Props A, B and C

By S. M. Chavey

on October 29, 2018 9:14 AM

Election day is quickly approaching. Here's what you need to know about the charter amendments, Propositions A, B and C.

Election day is quickly approaching. Here's what you need to know about the charter amendments, Propositions A, B and C.

Photo: David Gould/Getty Images

Election day is quickly approaching. Here's what you need to...photo-12780407.186691 - |ucfirst

Proposition A would make it easier for citizens to use referendums to challenge City Council decisions, including on issues such as tax and utility rates.

Proposition A would make it easier for citizens to use referendums to challenge City Council decisions, including on issues such as tax and utility rates.

Photo: William Luther, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Proposition A would make it easier for citizens to use...photo-15535564.186691 - |ucfirst

What supporters say about Proposition A:

This amendment would give more power to the people to overturn controversial city council decisions such as tax increases and zoning changes. It gives people a voice on issues, particularly those which involve their tax dollars, and forces elected officials to justify questionable votes. Proposition A would create an additional measure to keep the power of city officials in check.

What supporters say about Proposition A:
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What opponents say about Proposition A:

This proposition would remove power both from the people and elected officials and would instead give it to special interest groups who have the resources to buy their way onto ballots by paying for signatures. City council decisions would be in constant paralysis while somebody attempted to gather enough signatures for a referendum. And as trust in the city government decreased, the city's bond ratings and credit could go down, causing taxes to increase.

What supporters say about Proposition B:
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What opponents say about Proposition B:

The salary and term caps would limit the ability of the city to attract top talent for the person who manages billions of tax dollars and thousands of employees. It would immediately make a lame duck of new city managers. And it wouldn't even affect the current city manager, whose salary has been the subject of controversy.

Proposition C would give the firefighters union unilateral authority to require the city to participate in binding arbitration.

The San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association and the city have been negotiating a firefighter fair pay contract for years, and this proposition would force the city to resolve it via binding arbitration rather than seeking a court ruling.

The firefighters have been waiting five years for the city to complete a labor contract. This proposition would be a quick and inexpensive way to resolve the dispute without taking it to court. Despite what opponents of the proposition say, this is not a power grab, according to supporters. The firefighters are willing to risk binding arbitration by an impartial panel, something they wouldn't be willing to do if this were solely about power.

This referendum would allow the fire union to declare an impasse and force the city into arbitration, not just to resolve this contract, but in future negotiations as well. It is a power grab, and it would give firefighters an unfair advantage over police, emergency management services and other public safety groups, opponents say. Further, a third party shouldn't have so much power without public input, especially regarding taxpayer dollars.

What opponents say about Proposition C:
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Who is in support of the propositions?

The firefighters union, which filed the three propositions, has led the charge. Disgruntled voters have been among the biggest supporters and District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse has been the only councilor to speak out in support.

Who is in support of the propositions?
The firefighters...photo-16202004.186691 - |ucfirst

Who is opposed to the propositions?

City officials including Mayor Ron Nirenberg, numerous city council members, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation are among those who suggest voting no to Propositions A, B and C.